Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Ryan Mallett will forgo his senior season at Arkansas for the NFL.

Mallett, who is the career leader in passing yards (7,493) and touchdown passes (62) at Arkansas, announced the decision by releasing a statement through the UA. He is projected by many analysts as a first-round pick.

"After careful consideration, I have decided to declare for the 2011 NFL Draft. Ever since I was a kid, my dream has always been to play for the Razorbacks, and I am thankful I had the opportunity to do so. A year ago, when I returned to school I said I wanted to help lead this team to a place among the nation's elite and for the Razorback community to have a mindset to expect greatness. There is no doubt we got there together and this program will continue to play games on the biggest stages and when it does we'll come out swinging. Playing in the NFL is a goal of mine and I am grateful to the people that have prepared me to take the next step. Coach (Bobby) Petrino is a winner, a man of character and the hardest worker I have ever seen. I'd also like to thank Coach (Garrick) McGee for everything he has done for me and in particular helping develop my mental approach to the game. ... Arkansas is where my heart is and I'm proud to say that I will always be a Razorback."

Mallett began his career at Michigan. He transferred to Arkansas in 2008 and sat out that season to satisfy NCAA rules. Mallett thrived in coach Bobby Petrino's offense and was 18-8 as a starter at Arkansas. He set 45 school or stadium records for the Razorbacks. He threw for 3,869 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2010. Mallett was 24 of 47 for 277 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in his final game, a 31-26 loss to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl.

"I am very proud of Ryan Mallett and I can't say enough about what he has done for this program," Petrino said. "Leaders do their job extremely well and lift everyone around them to compete better and Ryan does those things. One of the greatest parts about coaching is watching individuals become adults while they are in college and Ryan has certainly developed not just as a player, but as a person. I know Ryan will be successful in life and I wish him the best in the NFL."

Some are not sold on Mallett's pro potential. Sporting News NFL analyst Russ Lande had this to say about the 6-foot-6, 220-pound Texarkana native:

Mallett, (6-6, 238) has excellent height, rare arm strength and flashed good accuracy downfield. However, he still must prove he has the quick mind to succeed in the NFL. He also must accelerate his deliberate delivery to keep defensive backs from breaking so quickly on his passes.